ICU nurse interested in going Army

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 29, 2010

I believe one "ticket" into the ICU or critical care setting would probably be having your CCRN. I know that, as an ER nurse, having my Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification plus at least a year of ER experience is the way I'll be able to go in as an ER nurse.

Make a list of questions to ask your recruiter -- I found that to be helpful in getting the answers I needed. Good luck! :)

Cardiothoracic · Jan 29, 2010

Thanks for the suggestion. Already on it!

I was told by another that having your CCRN is a good way to ensure a critical care job. I just wasn't sure if having worked in the ct-icu prior to commissioning would be enough for the Army.

Anyone else able to answer a few of my other questions? I know the recruiter will be extremely helpful, I'm just sorta anxious to hear from others.

Rose3721 · Jan 29, 2010

How long have you worked in the ICU and as an RN in general? This will also play a factor. The Army may assign you constructive credit for your ICU nursing experience. Just keep in mind that the Army will palce you where you're needed. If they have enough ICU nurses at the hospital you get assigned to you may be placed somewhere else. You can volunteer for deployments and from what I've been told the ICU/ER nurses with the skill identifiers are deployed often. Your best bet is to talk with an AMEDD recruiter.

Cardiothoracic · Jan 29, 2010

I've been an RN for a little over a year now, same with working in the ct-icu, went in straight out of graduation. I have a very strong interest in deployment. I plan on speaking with an AMEDD recruiter this upcoming monday, so hopefully he/she can answer all my questions.

Are all initial assignments in-state, or is it possible to go overseas from the get-go?

Rose3721 · Jan 29, 2010

Germany and Hawaii are 2 possible OCONUS assignments. You will probably still come in as a 2nd LT because the Army only gives you time and a half for rank credit so to them you only have 6 months experience. You may be able to get the ICU identifier, I think you would need a leter of competency from your current supervisor among other things. The AMEDD recruiter should be able to help more. I came in as a new grad so I didn't have to worry about any of that. :)

Cardiothoracic · Jan 29, 2010

Just spoke to the Army recruiter on the phone. She mentioned that the Army has already filled their quota for Med-Surg nurses, but there's still available space for Critical Care. Also, she mentioned that it would be no problem as long as my supervisor filled out a letter of competency(like you mentioned).

armyfnp72 · Jan 31, 2010

I am reading a lot of posts about what people want out of the army.

The problem is, 'you' as an individual does not exist in the army.

The army has a mission, you are to support their mission, not yours.

Once you understand that, you'll be fine.

Don't think you are going to get in the army and go up to your OIC and say, "Hey ma'am I want ______________" Because what will happen is you will be **** on. The idea is, you find out what your leaders' goals are and then you match and support their goals. The idea is, a boat floats with the rising sea. As your leaders look good, because you help them, so do you.

There is no "I" in ARMY.

PS your recruiters will say whatever they need to get you in. None of it is true, you feed your own delusions about what the army is an they simply don't say anything to the contrary. Remember, it is the army mission and the wants/needs of your superiors that count. That is why you see all the military folks in these forums all saying about the same thing. It is called indoctrination.

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2010

Please do not form your opinions based on the post immediately before mine. (!!!)

Please keep your enthusiasm intact and keep working towards your goal. My guess is they would NEED a good CTICU RN in a forward location or at Landsthul in Germany or at Tripler in Honolulu (I was born there, BTW - great digs!!).

I'd also guess that if you get in you'll have no problem deploying!!! :)

I'd look into starting on your CCRN certification. You can then honestly answer the question, "I'm working on it." The process (I'm USAF, but I'm learning it works the same) is a long one and you'll need something to occupy your time and keep you from waiting for that damn phone to ring once your stuff goes off to a board! :)

Cursed Irishman · Feb 1, 2010

I am reading a lot of posts about what people want out of the army.
The problem is, 'you' as an individual does not exist in the army.
The army has a mission, you are to support their mission, not yours.
Once you understand that, you'll be fine.
Don't think you are going to get in the army and go up to your OIC and say, "Hey ma'am I want ______________" Because what will happen is you will be **** on. The idea is, you find out what your leaders' goals are and then you match and support their goals. The idea is, a boat floats with the rising sea. As your leaders look good, because you help them, so do you.
There is no "I" in ARMY.
PS your recruiters will say whatever they need to get you in. None of it is true, you feed your own delusions about what the army is an they simply don't say anything to the contrary. Remember, it is the army mission and the wants/needs of your superiors that count. That is why you see all the military folks in these forums all saying about the same thing. It is called indoctrination.

This is a very accurate post. If you buy-in to this concept, your time in the military is much easier. The people who have the most difficult time in the military are the ones who don't understand or accept this fundamental philosophy. You don't have to be a believer to the core in your chain of command, but understanding who is in charge makes life easier.

you feed your own delusions about what the army is

There is quite a bit of this on this board, especially from those with no previous experience. One's delusions of the military also feed their perception once in.

athena55, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2010

I am reading a lot of posts about what people want out of the army.
The problem is, 'you' as an individual does not exist in the army.
The army has a mission, you are to support their mission, not yours.
Once you understand that, you'll be fine.
Don't think you are going to get in the army and go up to your OIC and say, "Hey ma'am I want ______________" Because what will happen is you will be **** on. The idea is, you find out what your leaders' goals are and then you match and support their goals. The idea is, a boat floats with the rising sea. As your leaders look good, because you help them, so do you.
There is no "I" in ARMY.
PS your recruiters will say whatever they need to get you in. None of it is true, you feed your own delusions about what the army is an they simply don't say anything to the contrary. Remember, it is the army mission and the wants/needs of your superiors that count. That is why you see all the military folks in these forums all saying about the same thing. It is called indoctrination.

I don't always agree with Command, and as to "indoctrination", yeah I may "toe" the Army line, but I believed in the ethos of the ANC when I first came in; I truly believe and live the Army Values

Sure sounds like you are having a crappy time. If you want that warm and fuzzy feeling, come on over to Iraq...I guarantee that you won't have time to feel sorry for yourself....Or the 31 st CSH are presently in Afghanistan for their 12 month tour

Or PCS to a station that will appreciate YOU.....I suggest William Beaumont Army MEDCEN, or BAMC, or MAMC

athena

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2010

Uhm, Athena, you like, rock and stuff...HUA!!!